Popular 'Paint Tusc Pink' Returns In Month Of October

The Paint Tusc Pink yard signs are a common sight at area businesses and organizations during the month of October.

It’s time to turn Tuscarawas County a strong shade of pink again during the month of October.

Tuscarawas County businesses, schools and offices are invited to cover themselves in pink paint, posters and displays for the annual “Paint Tusc Pink” campaign to generate attention for Breast Cancer Awareness in October.

Paint Tusc Pink is a free community program sponsored by Union Hospital’s Community Health and Wellness Department and the Regional Cancer Center at Union Hospital, and is co-sponsored by Trinity Hospital Twin City’s Community Outreach Department, the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce and WJER Radio.

Darrin Lautenschleger, director of community relations at Union Hospital, said that in recent years, the Susan G. Komen Foundation reported that the number of women in the Tuscarawas Valley who have been diagnosed with breast cancer had increased, but death rates from the disease are down.

“The Komen Foundation reports a decline in breast cancer deaths, which indicates that breast cancer is being diagnosed more often because more women are having mammograms,” Lautenschleger said. “Events such as Paint Tusc Pink increase awareness and encourage women to have mammograms on an annual basis as they take charge of their overall health.”

“The community’s support and participation through all of the pink-themed displays, events and posters helps reinforce the message that early detection saves lives,” said Jennifer Demuth, marketing and grant coordinator for Trinity Hospital Twin City. “The outpouring of support for Paint Tusc Pink is gratifying and important to reflect that the people of our area stand united in the fight against breast cancer.”

Both hospitals serve as contact points for Paint Tusc Pink yard signs that can be used as part of displays. There is no cost to participate. Businesses, schools and organizations that put up a display or simply want to have a Paint Tusc Pink sign can contact Union Hospital’s Community Relations Department at (330) 308-3599, or send an e-mail to information@unionhospital.org; or, call Trinity Hospital Twin City at (740) 922-7450 Ext. 2198, or send an e-mail to ajones@trinitytwincity.org.

Hospital staff members will take photos of displays around the region and display them on social media, too, or photos can be e-mailed to the hospitals at the provided e-mail addresses. Follow updates and photos on the websites and social media pages (Facebook and Twitter) of each hospital, as well as on WJER Radio.

In addition, both hospitals also are sponsoring free special events in October to help promote awareness.

Union Hospital’s Community Health and Wellness Department and the Regional Cancer Center at Union Hospital will host “Beauty Within, Building Confidence and Managing Stress,” a free women’s health event scheduled Oct. 17 (Tuesday) at 6 p.m. in the Founders Hall Auditorium at Kent State University at Tuscarawas. The event features Dr. Chinyere Orafu of Ohio Laser and Wellness Center at Dover, who is an OB/GYN physician on the medical staff at Union Hospital, and she will be joined by a panel of women’s health experts for an evening of fun and information. Refreshments, door prizes and gift bags for all are included. Registration is required and can be made online at www.unionhospital.org/events.

Trinity Hospital Twin City will host “In The Pink,” a free health event to combat breast cancer through education, awareness and survivor recognition. In The Pink will take place at the hospital (819 N. 1st St., Dennison) on Oct. 26 (Thursday) with a health fair beginning at 5:30 p.m. Featured speakers and survivor recognition will begin at 6 p.m., and the event will conclude with a special walk by candlelight. Speakers include a local medical provider and a panel of local breast cancer survivors who will share their experiences. Healthy snacks, door prizes and free gifts will be provided. Registration can be made through the calendar of events online at www.trinitytwincity.org.

The Union Hospital staff also will offer space on the hospital lawn off the Boulevard for its annual “Scare Away Breast Cancer Scarecrow Contest” open during the entire month of October. For only $10, entrants can create a pink-themed 4-to-7-foot scarecrow for judging and display to the public with proceeds going to the Tuscarawas Clinic for the Working Uninsured to help fund cervical and breast cancer screenings. For complete details and to enter, call (330) 343-3311 Ext. 2197.

Information about Union Hospital and all of its services available to the community is available on the hospital website at www.unionhospital.org, and on the hospital’s pages on Facebook and Twitter (@Union_Hospital).